On Thursday, Spain’s High Court found former soccer federation president Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault for forcibly kissing player Jenni Hermoso during the 2023 Women’s World Cup awards ceremony.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 – Final – Spain v England – Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia – August 20, 2023 Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso celebrates with President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales after the match REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo

The court imposed a fine exceeding €10,000 and prohibited Rubiales from approaching within 200 meters of Hermoso or communicating with her for one year. Additionally, he was ordered to pay Hermoso €3,000 in compensation.
The incident, which occurred during the World Cup awards ceremony in Sydney, ignited a nationwide debate in Spain about sexism in sports and society, bolstering the “Me Too” movement within the country. Despite Rubiales’ insistence that the kiss was mutual, the court sided with Hermoso’s testimony that it was non-consensual. Judge José Manuel Fernández-Prieto described the act as “always reproachable” but considered it of “minor intensity” due to the absence of violence or intimidation, opting for a financial penalty over imprisonment.
In response to the verdict, Rubiales announced his intention to appeal, stating, “I am going to keep fighting.” Hermoso’s lawyer also indicated plans to appeal, seeking further justice for the player, according to Reuters.
This case has not only brought attention to issues of sexism in Spanish football but has also prompted broader discussions about gender equality in sports worldwide.
Some hail the ruling as a significant step forward for women’s rights in Spain. Equality Minister Ana Redondo emphasized that “when there is no consent there is assault,” noting the importance of honoring the victim’s word as stipulated by law. Prominent feminist politician Irene Montero acknowledged the verdict as a victory for the movement, though she criticized the “minimum fine and damages” imposed.
The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE), which participated as a private prosecutor in the case, described the ruling as “a significant step forward in the defense of women’s rights and in the fight for a sport free of abuse and inequality.”